Clemens Krauss Austrian conductor and opera impresario Date of Birth: 31.03.1893 Country: Austria

1. Early Life and Education
2. Conducting Debut and Early Career
3. Rise to Prominence
4. International Recognition
5. Post-War Activities
6. Legacy

Early Life and Education

Clemens Krauss was born in Vienna, Austria, the illegitimate son of Klementine Kraus, a young ballet dancer, and Hektor Baltazzi, a wealthy banker from a prominent Phanariot family. As a child, Krauss sang in the Imperial Court Choir. In 1912, he graduated from the Vienna Conservatory, where he studied composition with Hermann Grädener and music theory with Richard Heuberger.

Conducting Debut and Early Career

Krauss began his career as a chorus master in Brno in 1912, making his conducting debut there the following year. He went on to conduct in Riga (1913-1914), Nuremberg (1915), and Stettin (1916-1921). While in Stettin, he traveled to Berlin to listen to the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra under Arthur Nikisch, who had a profound influence on him.

Rise to Prominence

In 1921, Krauss became director of the opera house and symphony concerts in Graz. In 1922, he was appointed conductor of the Vienna State Opera, where he also taught conducting at the Vienna Academy. From 1924 to 1929, he worked in Frankfurt am Main. In 1929, he became director of the Vienna State Opera, a position he held until 1934.

International Recognition

In 1934, Krauss left Vienna to become director of the Berlin State Opera, a post vacated by Erich Kleiber in protest against the Nazi regime. In 1937, he was appointed intendant of the Munich National Theatre following the dismissal of Hans Knappertsbusch.

Post-War Activities

After World War II, Allied authorities investigated Krauss's activities and banned him from performing publicly. The ban was lifted in 1947 when it was discovered that he had helped Jews evade Nazi persecution. Krauss resumed working with the Vienna Philharmonic, with whom he gave numerous concerts and established the tradition of the New Year's Concert in Vienna.

Legacy

Clemens Krauss was widely regarded as one of the preeminent conductors of his time, particularly known for his interpretations of Richard Strauss's music. He wrote the libretto for Strauss's opera "Capriccio" and conducted the premieres of his operas "Der Friedenstag" and "Die Liebe der Danae." He died during a tour and was buried in Erwald, Austria, alongside his second wife, the singer Viorica Ursuleac.